Children - Allergy

What are allergies in children?

Allergies are problems of the immune system. Most allergic reactions happen when the immune system reacts to a “false alarm.” Normally, the human body defends itself against harmful things, such as viruses or bacteria. But sometimes the defenses violently attack mostly mild things, such as dust, mold, or pollen.

The immune system makes large amounts of the antibodies called immunoglobin E (IgE). This is a complex chemical weapon that attacks and kills the “enemy.” Each IgE antibody exactly targets a certain allergen or thing that causes the allergy. In this way, inflammatory chemicals are made and given off. This causes the child to feel some bad or even life-threatening symptoms.

What are the symptoms of allergies in children?

An allergic reaction can happen anywhere in the body. This includes the skin, eyes, lining of the stomach, nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs. These are the places where immune system cells are found to fight off germs that are in breathed in, swallowed, or come in contact with the skin. Allergic reactions can cause:

Stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, or runny nose, and itching in ears or roof of mouth

Red, itchy, watery eyes

Red, itchy, dry skin

Hives or itchy welts

Itchy rash

Asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing

Difficulty breathing

What causes allergies in children?

Although many things could trigger allergic reactions, the most common triggers or allergens are:

Tree, grass, and weed pollens

Natural rubber latex

Molds

Dust mites

Animal dander, urine, and oil from skin

Foods

Medicines

Feathers

Bug stings

Cockroach waste and body parts

Who is at risk for allergies?

Allergies can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Generally, allergies are more common in children. However, allergies can happen at any age, or come back after feeling well for many years.

There’s a tendency for allergies to happen in families, although the exact reason isn’t yet understood. Often, the symptoms of allergies happen slowly over a period of time.

How are allergies in children diagnosed?

To diagnose an allergy, your health care provider will give your child an exam and take his or her health record. He or she may also do these tests:

Skin test. The skin test is a way of measuring the person’s level of IgE antibodies to certain allergens. Using diluted solutions of certain allergens, the health care provider either gives the child a shot with the solutions or puts them directly on the skin by making a scratch or small puncture. A small red area on the skin means that the child had a reaction. Skin testing may not be done on children who have had a severe life-threatening reaction to an allergen or have severe dry skin (eczema).

Blood test. The blood test is used to measure the child's level of IgE antibodies to specific allergens. One common blood test is called radioallergosorbent test or RAST.

Challenge test. This test is supervised by an allergist. A very small amount of the allergen is given to the child by mouth or it is breathed in.

Nasal smear test. This test is done to confirm if the child has allergies. It checks the amount of eosinophils in the nose. An eosinophil is a type of white blood cell that goes up during an allergic reaction.

Treatments

Your health care provider will figure out the best treatment for your child based on:

Your child’s age

Your child’s overall health and medical history

How sick your child is

How well your child can handle specific medications, procedures, or therapies

How long the condition is expected to last

Your opinion or preference

The symptoms of allergies sometimes look like other conditions or medical problems. Always see your health care provider for a diagnosis.

The three most effective ways to treat allergies are avoidance, immunotherapy, and medication. Avoidance means staying away from something that gives you an allergic reaction.

Suggestions for avoiding allergens are:

Stay indoors when the pollen count is high and on windy days.

Dust-proof the home, particularly your child’s bedroom.

Use air conditioning instead of opening the windows.

Think about putting a dehumidifier in damp areas of the home, but remember to clean it often.

Have your child wear a face mask if playing outside when the pollen count is high.

Take vacations in areas where pollen is not as common, such as locations near the ocean.

Your child’s health care provider will also have suggestions for avoiding the allergens that cause reactions.

Treatments for rhinitis may include:

Antihistamines

Decongestants

Medicines for asthma symptoms

Allergy shots

Decongestants are not recommended for children younger than age 4. Talk with your child’s health care provider for more information about allergy medications.

Key points about allergies in children

Allergies are problems of the immune system. Most allergic reactions happen when the immune system reacts to a “false alarm.”